Diggers Rest keen to atone

A high degree of motivation is driving Diggers Rest during the Riddell District Football League pre-season.

After a disappointing end to last season, with the senior and reserves sides knocked out in the preliminary finals and under-18.5s in the elimination final, the club is looking to atone.

New senior coach Jamie Lobb said their pre-season had been strong.

The Burras resumed training two weeks ago and had a training camp at the weekend.

“I think the whole club was disappointed with how we finished last year and wants to make amends,” he said. “It’s been a good pre-season with everyone putting in. We’ve definitely had good consistent numbers – around the 35 mark at training. It makes things easier.”

Changes have been few, with most of the senior side returning.

Youngster Chris Lawton has moved on, signing with Essendon District Football League club Airport West, while Beejay Kilty is another out.

The Burras have welcomed back a couple of players while looking to add more midfield depth.

Col Laurie, who played in the Northern Territory last season, and Tom Evans, who was playing with Rockbank, have returned.

Joining them at the Burras is Mathew Medcraft and Jesse Flannery.

Medcraft spent last season playing with Port Douglas alongside Laurie.

Before that he played with the Sunbury Lions, winning their best and fairest in 2015.

Lobb said Medcraft was a good get for the club.

“At this stage, we’ve lost two players and picked up four,” he said. “The core group is the same and we looked to fill areas we lacked in.

“It was pretty easy to get him [Medcraft] to come across to the club. He’s got a lot of good mates at the club and we’ve all seen what he can do.”

Lobb said younger players such as Kyle Owens and James McMahon would be pushing for more senior opportunities.

The Burras will kick off their season on April 14 under lights against Romsey. They will have practice matches against North Heidelberg, Hillside and Sunbury Lions.